Our Mission
CIBBOWS is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting open water swimmers in New York City.
We offer weekend programs for swimmers of all levels throughout the summer, produce annual swim races and events, and host regular member’s events to create a community of open-water swimmers in the heart of Brooklyn.
CIBBOWS advocates for improving the environment in New York Harbor and promoting public access to its waters so that more people can enjoy swimming at Brooklyn’s beautiful beaches.
Our Impact
For years, CIBBOWS has brought swimmers together in the waters of Coney Island and Brighton Beach. What began as a small group of enthusiasts has grown into a community dedicated to safety, access, and shared experience in the ocean.
Photo by Jozef Koppelman, 2022
Our Team
Board Members
Christina Gantcher
Co-Board Chair
Catherine Fukushima
Co-Board Chair
Irina Krassilnikova
Treasurer
Frederick Baker
Abby Jordan
Advisory Board Members
Ruthy Effler
Lesa Schwartz Fishman
Julian Flear
Meighan Gale
Virginia McEnerney
Katherine Moriwaki
Carrie Sadovnik
Constance Sasso
Lily Thai
Jeremy Whelchel
Executive Directors Emeritus
Sondra Vitols, 2005 – 2007
R. Cristian Vergara, 2008 – 2013
Patricia Sener, 2014 – 2016
Capri Djatiasmoro, Co-Chair 2017 – 2020
R. Cristian Vergara, Co-Chair 2017 – 2020
Paula Croxson, 2021 – 2022
Jacqueline Broner, 2021 – 2025
